Sarah and Paul…oh what a couple. You may remember their engagement shoot  where the sun popped out and shone down with all it’s glory at the end of the session. Or maybe you remember all the laughter that exuded from all their portraits…well that hasn’t changed at all 😉 You two are so fun and we love that you just “sit around a laugh” when you’re at home. It makes it so much more natural that you laughed through your wedding portraits too!

We started at the Marriott in Downtown Hartford with Sarah and her ladies. As with any full wedding day, we got to work with the details of the bride’s while letting Sarah take a bit more time to relax and get further into her hair and makeup. We ended up taking the Maggie Sottero gown out into the hallway and found a perfect window lit section! Check out those layers on this beauty!

Once the dress was stowed safely back in the closet until it’s debut on the bride we rejoined the ladies and captured some getting ready moments. They all had cute matching robes, so of course, once everyone was done with hair and makeup we had to get a shot of those. Then it was time to get Sarah in her dress! Always a favorite moment when the bride is saying “it kind of feels real now”. 

Sarah had a timeline document that her sister had with, and thanks to that determined planning, and providing 15 minute buffer spots, Sarah was right on time in getting in her dress. We love when a bride can be relaxed because she has more time than she needs! Sarah we not so secretly love your organizing and timing skills 😉

They packed into the bus and we met them at Paul’s parents house where the groomsmen were busy getting ready themselves. We made sure Paul got all his last minute details on before going outside to scout out a first look spot.

One of the reasons Sarah and Paul had chosen to meet at his parents house, was the AMAZING backyard. Seriously, it was (is) beautiful. It was the perfect location for the first look and formals. It’s not often you get a beautiful garden, a walkway, and an open grassy spot in one backyard. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Compagna for making it look so beautiful for this moment.

I told you, the laughing shone through in their portraits, right? Check out how they responded to the first look moment! Those faces are priceless.

How cute was that. I love watching first looks. The emotions are so genuine and unbridled compared to when you end up holding them in check walking down the aisle. Not to mention it creates such a genuine flow into the portraits where you’re still holding onto that first excitement of “it’s almost ceremony time!”. Sarah and Paul, these photos speak for themselves. You two are the best 🙂

Bridal party formals followed and I really can’t get over how well these bouquets matched the dresses! They were absolutely beautiful and so fragrant we even had some bees trying to get in the photos. 

After a few homemade peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies (yummmm thanks again Mrs. Compagna) it was time to head to the church. A beautiful ceremony, lighting of the unity candle, and a kiss sealed the deal! They were married!

While we waited for Sarah and Paul to arrive from the church, Amy and I ducked into the Society Room in Hartford and grabbed some photos of the setup before guests came in. We were definitely fans of the twinkling lights that made the room feel warm and cozy! It was our first time there and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were waiting for Sarah and Paul (other than the fact there’s no reception without them!) because they’d mentioned wanting a few photos out on the street. We of course said yes! I love when the gallery can show the contrast between woodsy portraits and city portraits. I think it breaks them up and gives you valid reason to print more of them for your home! Not to mention the after wedding portraits are always just a bit more lovey dovey 🙂 Sarah and Paul even practiced their first dance twirl in the middle of the road…it was perfect!

Then…well, you know what happens next! It’s party time! From the first dance to toasts where the best man hands his brother some slippers (because Paul goes to bed early) to parents dances and cake cutting…every other part of the night is all about celebration!

Before we ended our night, everyone got out on the dance floor to show off some moves. We’re pretty sure that dance floor kept moving even after we left, it was packed! 

Sarah and Paul, if you can believe it, we had even more fun with your on your wedding day than we did at Gouveia for your engagement shoot. We can tell everyone in attendance was supportive of your love story and we can’t wait to see where it takes you from here! Congratulations!

Love, Amy & Kay

Of course an amazing wedding wouldn’t be anything to shoot without all the amazing vendors who are working behind the scenes. Be sure to check them out!

Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero
Hair & Makeup: Wildflower Bridal Beauty
Florist: In Bloom Florals
Videographer: Clear Vision Videography
Cake: Creative Cakes by Donna
DJ Entertainment: Paul of Powerstation Events
Venue: The Society Room